Actress Gabor in hospital

Her husband, Frederic von Anhalt, said she was moving in and out of consciousness, but appeared to be recovering.

"She can't talk," said von Anhalt. "She opens her eyes, but we don't know if she recognises us."

Gabor, 85, was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after her car struck a lamppost on Wednesday afternoon, said Sergeant Bruce Thomas of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department.

The Hungarian-born actress was in the front passenger seat of a car driven by her hairdresser when the crash happened, her husband said.

Her hairdresser was also being treated in hospital, he said.

The lamppost hit the car, while the car's engine reportedly went into the front seat. Gabor suffered broken bones, cuts and bruises.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's department said the cause of the accident was still unknown.

A spokeswoman at the hospital confirmed Gabor was in a serious condition.

Prolific marrier

Gabor is most famous for her multiple marriages - at least eight, including husbands Count Felipe de Alba, Jack Ryan, businessman Herbert Hutner as well as von Anhalt. One marriage lasted just 24 hours.

Her flamboyant character has made her one of Hollywood's most recognisable figures, despite a largely mediocre film career.

It began impressively with films such as Lili and Moulin Rouge, both in 1953.

But she later found herself playing roles in camp favourites like Queen Of Outer Space in 1958 and Won Ton Ton, The Dog Who Saved Hollywood in 1976.

In 1989 she was sentenced to 72 hours in jail for slapping a Beverly Hills police officer.

She also was ordered to perform 120 hours of community service at a women's shelter.

Gabor, crowned Miss Hungary in 1936, is famous for her quotes, including: "I have never hated a man enough to give his diamonds back."